General Information
El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, Honduras to the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the South. Below, is some general information that you may find helpful when planning your trip tothe country.
Official name: Republic of El Salvador
Capital: San Salvador
Size: 21,040.79 km2
Population: 6.3 million
Language: The official language is Spanish; English is spoken in most tourist destinations; and a small percentage of the population still speaks Nahuat, an indigenous language.
Currency: U.S. dollar
Cellular phone networks: GSM 850, 900, 1900, and 1950
Electricity: 110-120 volts AC/60 Hz
Climate: There are two seasons in El Salvador: the rainy season, from May to October and the dry season, from November
to April.
Temperature: El Salvador enjoys an average year-round temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), although the coastal areas tend to be warmer and the mountainous areas cooler.
Terrain: The country is mostly mountainous, with a number of volcanoes and lakes throughout, and is bordered on the south by 307 kilometers (191 miles) of Pacific coastline.
Airports: El Salvador International Airport (commonly known as Comalapa International Airport) and Ilopango International Airport, which is used for military and general aviation.
Airlines: Taca (El Salvador’s national airline), American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Copa Airlines, Lacsa Airlines, and Mexicana.
Standard Time Zone: GMT/UTC – 06:00 hour; no Daylight Savings Time
ATMs and credit cards: Most ATMs accept foreign debit cards and major credit cards (VISA, MC, AMEX) are accepted in larger cities; for off-the-beaten path destinations, cash is advisable.
Visas: Visa requirements vary depending on the visitor's nationality: Americans, Canadians, Central Americans, and most Europeans do not need a visa to enter El Salvador. All foreign travelers need to purchase a $10 tourist card, issued at immigration upon arrival, which allows for a 90-day visit.
